Once upon a time, in the vast universe of Marvel Comics, there were superheroes and villains, heroes and anti-heroes, and everything in between. They all had different superpowers, personalities, and backgrounds, but they shared one thing in common – their stories were loved by millions of people of all ages around the world.
However, as the Marvel Franchise expanded from comic books to movies, TV shows, video games, and merchandise, there was a growing concern about the appropriateness of their content for different age groups. Some fans argued that Marvel should stay true to the comics and aim for a more mature and darker tone, while others believed that Marvel should cater to a broader and younger audience.
To unpack this complex issue, let’s take a closer look at some of the Marvel characters and their stories, and see when and how appropriateness crosses the line.
First up, we have Spider-Man, one of the most iconic and beloved Marvel superheroes. As a teenage boy named Peter Parker, Spider-Man balances his secret identity, his superhero duties, and his personal life with his Aunt May and his friends. Despite the challenges and dangers he faces, Spider-Man remains optimistic, witty, and relatable to many young readers and viewers.
However, as Spider-Man’s stories evolved over the years, so did their themes and content. Some of the later comics and movies explored darker and more mature topics, such as death, addiction, and loss. While these issues are important and relevant to many adults and teens, they may not be appropriate or understandable for younger children.
In fact, some parents have expressed concern that some scenes or dialogues in the recent Spider-Man movies, such as Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far From Home, were too violent, sexual, or profane for their kids to watch. For example, in one scene in Far From Home, Spider-Man accidentally sees his schoolmate’s underwear while they are changing, which some viewers found inappropriate or uncomfortable.
To address these concerns, Marvel and its partners have implemented ratings and warnings for their content, such as PG-13, TV-14, or parental advisories. These labels can help parents and kids make informed decisions about what to watch, read, or play, and avoid exposing them to content that may be too scary, violent, or explicit.
Next, let’s talk about the Avengers, the famous team of superheroes who save the world from evil threats. The Avengers consist of various characters, such as Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and more. Each Avenger has a unique personality, backstory, and power, but they all share a sense of duty, honor, and camaraderie.
As the Avengers movies grew in popularity and scale, their stories became more complex and interconnected, spanning different timelines, dimensions, and conflicts. The recent Avengers: Endgame movie, for instance, dealt with themes such as grief, sacrifice, and time travel, which require a certain level of maturity and understanding to appreciate.
Moreover, some scenes in the Avengers movies, such as fights, explosions, and deaths, may be too intense or graphic for young viewers. For instance, in one scene in Avengers: Infinity War, the villain Thanos kills several characters, including one in a very brutal and shocking way. Some parents and kids were disturbed or saddened by this scene, and felt that it was too much for a superhero movie.
On the other hand, some fans argue that Marvel should not dilute or censor their content to appeal to a younger audience, and that kids should be exposed to more challenging and thought-provoking stories. They also point out that the Avengers movies have positive messages about teamwork, courage, and sacrifice, and that these values should be celebrated and shared with everyone.
Finally, let’s mention Deadpool, the irreverent and foul-mouthed superhero who breaks all the rules and expectations. Deadpool, also known as Wade Wilson, is a mercenary who gains superpowers after a dangerous experiment goes wrong. He uses his powers to fight crime, make jokes, and break the fourth wall by addressing the audience directly.
However, Deadpool is not your typical superhero, nor is he suitable for young readers or viewers. His comics and movies are rated R, which means they contain explicit language, violence, and sexual content. Deadpool often uses profanity, makes inappropriate jokes, and engages in graphic fights and gore.
While some fans find Deadpool’s humor and satire refreshing and entertaining, others find it offensive or crass. They also worry that Deadpool’s popularity may inspire younger audiences to imitate his behavior or language, or desensitize them to violence or sex.
To conclude, the issue of appropriateness in the Marvel Franchise is a complicated and ongoing one, and there are no easy answers or solutions. However, there are some key takeaways that parents and kids can remember and apply when consuming Marvel content:
– Pay attention to the ratings and warnings of the content, and respect them.
– Know your own and your child’s limits and preferences, and adjust accordingly.
– Discuss the content with your child, ask them how they feel about it, and explain any challenging or confusing parts.
– Respect diverse opinions and perspectives about the Marvel Franchise, and don’t judge or shame others for their choices.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the Marvel Franchise safely and responsibly, and appreciate their stories and characters for what they are – fun, creative, and inspiring. Good night!
